June 24-25, 2024 – Faculty of Technology, Khon Kaen University, led by Asst. Prof. Araya Chaoruangrit, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty and Asst. Prof. Nussara Surakhot, Ph.D., Vice Dean for Education, Student Development and Alumni Relation, took the lecturers, students and alumni of the Geotechnology Department to attend the 3rd Thailand Geopark Network Symposium 2024 at Kosa Hotel, Khon Kaen. The event was hosted by Khon Kaen GeoPark, Department of Geological Resources, Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organization, and Faculty of Sciences, Mahasarakham University (Dinosaur Research Unit).
The Symposium was honored to have the Director-General of the Department of Geological Resources and Vice Governor of Khon Kaen Province preside over the opening session. There were experts in the field from the country and abroad joining the Symposium, including dinosaur experts and the discoverers of dinosaurs in Thailand such as Dr. Warawut Sutheethorn, Dr. Nares Sattayarak, Khun Sutham Yaemniyom and Khun Ruja Ingkawat joining the forum.
Faculty of Technology, Khon Kaen University is an important alliance of Khon Kaen GeoPark. The Faculty has assisted in pushing Khon Kaen GeoPark towards the world GeoPark. Asst. Prof. Wimonthip Singthuan, Ph.D., from the Department of Geo-Technology has conducted research on geology and geological tourism in the area, as a Geoscientific Staff of Khon Kaen GeoPark. In addition, there have been promoting activities of students’ learning by means of academic camps, projects, independent studies, and secondary school student projects, which were presented in posters at this Symposium.
Dr. Pitaksit Ditbanjong from the Department of Geo-Technology said, “Khon Kaen University has taken an important role in studying of the area of Kalasin GeoPark. In this Symposium, there were presentations of research works of lecturers and undergraduate students majoring in Geo-technology, including many issues related to Thailand GeoParks. A GeoPark is the area that contains geological sources and the topology that has major geological aspects. The Park’s administration is holistic and includes protection, provision of education, and sustainable development. A GeoPark must connect with other resources in the area such as natural science, culture and intangible inheritance.”
At present, there are 11 GeoParks in Thailand: Stool World GeoPark, Korat World GeoPark, Ubon Ratchathani GeoPark, Petchaboon GeoPark, Khon Kaen GeoPark, Tak Petrified Wood Park (in Tak Province), Chaiyaphum GeoPark, Phu Hang Nak GeoPark (in Supanburi Province), Kalasin GeoPark, Chiangrai GeoPark and Lampang GeoPark.
News Information / Photos: Asst. Prof. Wimonthip Singthuan, Ph.D.
News: Pratheep Thewongsa
